SPCA NZ Launches Love for Long-stays Koha Adoption Campaign

SPCA New Zealand has officially launched its annual "Love for Long-stays" national adoption campaign, designed to help vulnerable companion animals find their forever homes. Running from Monday, 6 July to Sunday, 2 August 2026, this highly anticipated event addresses shelter crowding by matching long-term animal residents with loving families across the country. During this four-week window, the SPCA is waiving its standard fixed adoption fees for designated long-stay animals, allowing qualified members of the public to adopt them in exchange for a koha (donation) of their choice.

Understanding the Koha Adoption Initiative

Under normal operations, adopting a companion animal from the SPCA involves a structured fee to help cover the costs of wellness checks, microchipping, desexing, and initial health assessments. However, during the "Love for Long-stays" campaign, these standard fees are replaced by a voluntary donation. The SPCA introduces this model to remove potential financial barriers to adoption, encouraging Kiwi households to open their doors to animals that have spent an extended period in shelters.

To participate in the initiative, prospective adopters can visit the official SPCA portal to view profiles of animals currently available. Animals that qualify for the koha adoption scheme are highlighted with a distinctive blue "long-stay" resident flag on their digital profiles. Typically, these are animals that have been in shelter care for 42 days or more. Despite the fee waiver, the SPCA emphasizes that standard adoption protocols remain strictly in place. All applicants must undergo the regular screening processes, lifestyle matching, and interviews to ensure that every dog, cat, or small pet is placed in a suitable, safe, and nurturing environment.

The Challenges Faced by Long-Stay Animals

The SPCA shelter network cares for thousands of animals annually, but some residents stay significantly longer than average. These long-stay animals often struggle to secure adoption due to minor medical conditions, advanced age, or shyness. Shelters can be loud and stressful environments, which sometimes causes animals to withdraw or appear anxious when meeting visitors. Consequently, shy dogs or older cats are frequently overlooked in favor of energetic puppies and outgoing kittens.

By highlighting long-stay residents and waiving the standard adoption fees, the campaign aims to give these deserving animals a fresh start. Staff and volunteers work closely with these long-term residents to build their confidence, evaluate their social behaviors, and identify the exact home environments where they will thrive. Giving a home to a long-stay pet not only provides them with a second chance but also frees up critical space and resources within SPCA shelters to rescue and rehabilitate other incoming animals in urgent need of protection.

Guiding Pet Owners on Long-Term Responsibility

While the initial adoption fee is replaced with a koha during the campaign, the SPCA strongly advises that welcoming a pet is a major long-term commitment. Companion animals require consistent care, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and annual healthcare. In New Zealand, owners must also comply with national and local animal control regulations, which include microchipping and council registration. For example, under the Dog Control Act 1996, all dogs over the age of three months must be registered with their local city or district council, and registrations must be renewed every year.

For families preparing to welcome a new companion, it is crucial to research the practicalities and costs involved. To ensure your home is fully equipped for a new pet, you can read our detailed New Kitten Checklist NZ or our comprehensive New Puppy Checklist NZ. Additionally, understanding the financial commitment is vital for responsible ownership. We recommend reviewing our resources on the Cost of Owning a Cat in New Zealand and the Cost of Owning a Dog in New Zealand to help plan your household budget. For specific veterinary guidance or health assessments, owners should always consult a registered professional vet to ensure their animals receive the highest standards of diagnostic care and treatment.

Sources

• https://www.spca.nz/news-and-events/news-article/love-for-long-stays-launch-2026
• https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/en/dogs-animals/lost-adoptable-pets/view-lost-adoptable-animals.html